Biggest offseason developments: Martellus Bennett, lobbying hard for an extension with two years left on his current deal, opted to stay away from the Bears' offseason strength and conditioning program as well as the club's organized team activities. He returned to practice for the team's mandatory minicamp in mid-June. Pascoe was signed to a one-year, minimum salary benefit deal in late April.

What to like: Bennett is coming off a career year, an impressive campaign in which he led all tight ends with 90 catches while amassing 916 yards with six touchdowns. That production earned the "Black Unicorn" his first invitation to the Pro Bowl.

On game days, the veteran tight end remained a force, complementing his pass-catching skills with his run-after-catch ability. And even as the Bears season skidded off course, Bennett's productivity and toughness continued.

From a talent perspective, new coach John Fox has few doubts that Bennett is a top-tier tight end.

"This game's about matchups," Fox said last month. "The tougher matchups you can create for the opponent's defense, the better. He has all the physical tools it takes both as a blocker and as a pass catcher. Those are both important skill sets for that position. He proved what he's capable of a year ago. And hopefully we can duplicate that and then some this year."

After skipping all of the team's OTAs, Bennett seemed less than giddy when he rejoined the team at minicamp, still harping hard for a better contract. Bennett is still in line to make roughly $10.9 million over the next two seasons but believes he is worth more, particularly with no guaranteed money left in his deal.

"If your performance is at a high level and you're performing to a high level, then you want to be compensated for the level that you're playing at," he said.

With the Bears disinclined to engage in negotiations, Bennett must come to an acceptance of his reality and try to develop a harmony with a new coaching staff. Yet after he said he spent no time studying the Bears' new offense during his time away this spring, Bennett doesn't register as the prototypical Fox player.

"It's just like going to a new school. I fit in everywhere I go. I'm like a dark-skinned chameleon."

Ultimately, it will be up to Fox and general manager Ryan Pace to determine whether Bennett is worth keeping around.

Pace also will have to solidify the depth at tight end. Rosario, a core special teamer who has played for Fox with the Panthers and Broncos, seems like a good bet to stick. Pascoe's value as a bruising run-blocker increases his chances as well.